Do I have to pay for my health insurance while on FMLA leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law which provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. In Texas, employees are entitled to the same rights and protections provided under this federal law. When an employee takes FMLA leave, their employer is not required to pay them for the time they are on leave. However, employers are generally required to maintain the employee’s health insurance during the leave of absence, and continue to pay their share of the employee’s health insurance premiums. This means that the employee will usually still be covered by their employer’s health insurance while on FMLA leave – they just won’t be receiving a pay check. The employee may be responsible for paying the other half of the health insurance premium while on FMLA leave, or they may choose to use other means to pay for their health insurance coverage. For instance, they may choose to pay for insurance through COBRA. Under COBRA, the employee will be responsible for the full cost of their health insurance premium, including the portion that would have been paid by the employer. It’s important to note that if the employee is unable to pay for the premium, they may risk losing their health insurance coverage. In summary, employers are not required to pay employees for time taken off on FMLA leave, but they are usually responsible for maintaining their employee’s health insurance and contributing to the cost of the premium. Additionally, the employee may be responsible for paying the other half of the premium.
Related FAQs
Does the FMLA provide job protection for employees with qualifying exigencies related to a family member's active military service?Am I required to give my employer notice before taking FMLA leave?
Can an employee be required to pay for health benefits while on FMLA leave?
Can I receive compensation for wages or benefits lost due to FMLA violations?
Does the FMLA provide job protection for employees affected by the closure of a business?
Can my employer deny my request for FMLA leave?
Does the FMLA protect an employee's benefits if the employee's job is eliminated?
What rights do employees have if their FMLA-protected leave is denied?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member if the family member is not the employee's parent, spouse, or child?
Is an employee required to provide documentation to verify FMLA leave?
Related Blog Posts
FMLA Law: What You Need to Know About Your Rights - July 31, 2023Navigating the FMLA Leave Process: A Step-By-Step Guide - August 7, 2023
Employee Eligibility Requirements for FMLA Leave - August 14, 2023
Understanding How FMLA Leave Works in Your State - August 21, 2023
Explanation of Eligible Uses for FMLA Leave - August 28, 2023